Rouhani: Iran to continue expanding military power, missile program

Monday February 11th 2019

President Hassan Rouhani addressing crowds during a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of Islamic Revolution in the capital Tehran’s Azadi (Freedom) square.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile program despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran’s defensive work, state TV reported.

“We have not asked and will not ask for permission to develop different types of ... missiles and will continue our path and our military power,” Rouhani said in a speech at Tehran’s Azadi (Freedom) square, where tens of thousands gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Rouhani also vowed Iran would defeat US sanctions re-imposed after President Donald Trump withdrew from Tehran’s nuclear accord with world powers last year.

“The Iranian people have and will have some economic difficulties (due to the sanctions) but we will overcome the problems by helping each other,” Rouhani said.